Blog

When to Plant Catnip in Pushmataha County, OK

Catnip is a hardy perennial herb in the mint family known for its effect on cats. It also makes a calming tea and is a useful companion plant that repels some pests.

Pushmataha County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.

At an elevation of 465 feet, Pushmataha County receives approximately 22.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season.

Pushmataha County, OK (Zone 7b) Long season
213 days
Last Spring Frost April 2
213 growing days
First Fall Frost November 1

Pushmataha County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (86 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 29 🍅 Harvest: May 31 – Aug 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (80 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: Jun 11 – Aug 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (87 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 25 🍅 Harvest: Jun 27 – Aug 29

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Soil Compatibility in Pushmataha County

How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.3โ€“7.8) overlaps with Catnip's range (6.0โ€“7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Pushmataha County is excellent for Catnip โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (4.0%). Annual compost additions will help Catnip.

How to Plant Catnip

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Catnip

4
successive plantings in your 213-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 13 to harvest before frost.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.4″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 146 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Catnip

Catnip needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Catnip Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 0.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 0.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 2.2" 2.4" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 2.2" 3.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 2.2" 3.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 2.2" 2.6" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 2.2" 2.9" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 2.2" 2" 0.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 2.2" 1.4" 0.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov 2.2" 0.8" 1.4" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Dec โ€” 0.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Nov in Pushmataha County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Catnip Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Catnip needs ~1,225 GDD — county provides 3,727 GDD Excellent fit

Catnip Planting Timeline โ€” Pushmataha County, OK

Catnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 โ€“ Apr 23
Harvest June 11 Jun 11 โ€“ Aug 13

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

0.5"/week ยท Only during dry spells

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

60โ€“80 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

213 days in Pushmataha County

Growing Tips for Catnip in Pushmataha County

Direct sow Catnip outdoors after April 02 in Pushmataha County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Pushmataha County receives only 22" of rain annually. Catnip needs consistent moisture โ€” install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

General growing tips

Direct sow or start indoors. Catnip is very easy to grow and can become invasive. Harvest leaves before flowering for tea. Protect young plants from cats.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Catnip in Pushmataha County, OK?

Pushmataha County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pushmataha County, OK?

Pushmataha County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 1.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Pushmataha County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Pushmataha County, OK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.